Hi Edel,

You’re a bit light on the detail, there... We mean, if it’s an early Mk1 from the 1990s and it costs about €250, it’s not going to be the most reliable thing in the world. On the other hand, if it’s a lightly used Mk5 from 2016/2017, it could be hugely dependable. You’re looking for a full service history, a solid feel on a test drive and a general ‘rightness’ to the condition (inside and out) upon a visual inspection. Watch for excessive white, blue or black smoke from the exhaust once the engine is warmed through, listen for rattles, creaks, groans or whines from the engine on a test drive and don’t buy any car with excessive juddering through the steering wheel/pedals, either when rolling along or (especially) when braking.